Author: April Ogden, Founder and CEO, It’s Your Outcome

Insights from It’s Your Outcome Career Coaching

Have you ever felt like something was wrong with your body, but you just couldn’t put your finger on it? Maybe it’s the fatigue that doesn’t go away, the headache that lingers, or the sleep that never feels like enough. Now imagine trying to push through that at work, day in and day out, without anyone realizing what you’re going through. For so many of us, this isn’t just a bad day—it’s our everyday reality.

It’s time we talked about health changes at work—beyond what’s visible, beyond what’s permanent, and beyond what’s easy to understand. Health issues, whether temporary or hidden, can impact anyone. If you’ve experienced this, know that you’re not alone. And if you haven’t, please keep reading and share this with someone who might need it. You might just change a life.

The Reality of Hidden and Temporary Health Struggles at Work

Not all health conditions are obvious. In fact, many of the struggles people face at work are invisible—hidden beneath the surface and never brought up in meetings or performance reviews. But just because something can’t be seen doesn’t mean it’s not real.

Think about the person who quietly fights chronic pain every day, or the colleague who struggles with insomnia and spends every night tossing and turning, only to show up to work with a forced smile the next morning. Or the coworker who feels drained by anxiety, battling thoughts that swirl around uncontrollably. These aren’t disabilities in the traditional sense, but they can still profoundly impact someone’s life and their ability to work.

Here’s the truth: while conversations around disability have grown louder, they often overlook the conditions that come and go, or the ones that stay hidden. This leaves people feeling isolated, struggling silently, and unsure if they’re even allowed to ask for help. That’s not okay. We can do better.

My Story – When My Body Betrayed Me

I didn’t know what was happening. One hour, I’d be fine, and the next, I’d find myself drenched in sweat during a meeting, struggling to stay focused. I’d feel irritability creep in out of nowhere, snapping at people who didn’t deserve it. My nights were restless—hours of tossing and turning, my mind racing as the minutes ticked by. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and scared. And I had no idea what was going on.

It turned out to be perimenopause, but at the time, I didn’t have a name for it. I just knew that something wasn’t right, and it was affecting every part of my life—including my job. I’m one of the lucky ones, though. I had a supervisor who didn’t need to know the specifics to show empathy. She gave me the flexibility I needed without making me feel like I was asking for special treatment. She helped me catch up when I fell behind and never brought it up as a “problem” that needed fixing. She just… cared.

That support shouldn’t be the exception. It should be the norm. Because we all deserve to be seen, even when the struggle isn’t obvious.

The Hidden Struggles That Affect Us More Than We Realize

We don’t talk enough about the hidden or temporary health conditions that so many of us deal with. Let’s change that. Here are some of the things that might be affecting you or someone you work with:

1. Perimenopause and Menopause: It’s not just “getting older.” It’s hot flashes that come out of nowhere, it’s waking up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat, it’s feeling like your emotions are running on a rollercoaster with no brakes. It’s not something we talk about openly, but we should.

2. Migraines and Chronic Pain: Maybe it’s the throbbing headache that hits without warning, or the back pain that flares up whenever you sit for too long. You can’t always see pain, but that doesn’t make it any less real—or less exhausting.

3. Autoimmune Disorders (e.g., Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis): Some days are better than others. But on the tough days, the fatigue can be unbearable, and even the simplest tasks can feel like climbing a mountain.

4. Mental Health Conditions (e.g., Anxiety, Depression): When your mind is at war with itself, focusing on work can feel impossible. It’s not just “stress.” It’s a constant battle that takes strength to face, even when no one else can see it.

5. Temporary Health Issues (e.g., Recovery from Surgery, Severe Illness): Maybe you’re recovering from an injury, or maybe you’re still feeling the effects of a bad flu. It’s temporary, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

These aren’t just personal problems; they’re workplace issues too. And they deserve our attention.

Why Accommodations Are for Everyone—Not Just People with Severe Disabilities

You might think that asking for accommodations is only for people with severe disabilities, but that’s a myth that needs to be shattered. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a disability as any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. That can mean a lot of things.

It can mean:

1. Walking, standing, or lifting – for someone recovering from surgery or managing a chronic condition.
2. Sleeping – if your sleep is constantly interrupted by anxiety, hormonal changes, or chronic pain.
3. Concentrating and thinking – when migraines, stress, or hormonal shifts make it hard to stay focused.
4. Breathing – if respiratory conditions or even stress make you feel like you can’t catch your breath.
5. Working – yes, if your health condition impacts your ability to do your job, you deserve support.

These are just examples, but they show how broad the spectrum of disability really is. And even if a condition is temporary or not immediately visible, it doesn’t make it less important. If you’re struggling, you deserve help. Period.

The Unseen Barriers to Getting Support

Why don’t more people ask for accommodations? Because the stigma is real. It’s hard to admit that you’re not okay when everyone else seems to be managing simply fine. It’s scary to disclose something so personal, fearing that you might be judged or treated differently.

But here’s what you need to know: you don’t have to keep struggling in silence. Workplaces need to change, yes, but that change starts with creating a culture where it’s okay to talk about what you’re going through. It’s okay to ask for help.

Practical Ways to Make Work More Bearable When You’re Struggling

If you’re dealing with a hidden or temporary health condition, here are some ways to make your work life a little easier:

1. Talk to Someone You Trust: Whether it’s HR, a manager, or a colleague, find someone in whom you can confide. You don’t have to share every detail, but even just letting someone know that you’re struggling can make a difference.

2. Ask for Flexible, Short-Term Accommodations: Don’t wait until things get unbearable. Request accommodations early—flexible scheduling, remote work options, ergonomic equipment, or even temporary adjustments to your workload. Sometimes small changes can make a big difference.

3. Know Your Rights: The ADA covers many conditions, including temporary and hidden ones. If your condition is making it hard to do your job, you have a right to ask for accommodations. It’s not about “special treatment”—it’s about giving you the support you need to thrive.

The Power of Empathy in the Workplace

Empathy isn’t just about being “nice.” It’s about recognizing when someone is struggling and stepping up to offer support without judgment. It’s about creating a space where people feel safe enough to be honest about what they’re going through.

Managers, you have the power to set the tone. You can be the one who shows that it’s okay to ask for help, which taking care of yourself isn’t a sign of weakness. You can be the one who makes someone’s day a little bit easier, just by being understanding.

Let’s Bust Some Myths

Myth: Accommodations Are Only for Severe Disabilities.

Fact: If you’re struggling with a health condition—whether it’s temporary, hidden, or permanent—you deserve accommodations that help you work.

Myth: Accommodations Are Expensive.

Fact: Most accommodations cost little or nothing, like allowing flexible schedules or providing ergonomic seating. It’s about working smarter, not harder.

Myth: It’s “Not That Bad” If You Can’t See It.

Fact: Just because a condition isn’t visible doesn’t mean it’s not painful, distracting, or overwhelming. Let’s believe people when they tell us they need support.

Let’s Do Better Together

Workplaces need to close the gap between those who get support and those who struggle in silence. Here’s what we can do:

1. Update Policies to Include Hidden and Temporary Conditions: Make it clear that accommodations are available for a wide range of health needs—not just permanent disabilities.

2. Train Managers to Recognize When Support Is Needed: It’s not always obvious when someone is struggling. Give your team the tools to notice the signs and respond with empathy.

3. Make It Easy to Ask for Help: Simplify the process for requesting accommodations. Don’t make people jump through hoops to get the support they deserve.

It Starts with You: Be an Ally, Be the Change

If you’re reading this and thinking about a friend, a coworker, or even yourself, don’t wait to reach out. Sometimes, a simple “How are you really doing?” can open the door for someone to share what they’ve been holding back.

Let’s commit to being there for each other—because no one should have to struggle alone. Take the “Empathy in Action” pledge to support inclusivity in your workplace. Let’s make this a place where everyone, no matter what they’re going through, feels seen, heard, and valued.

You’re Not Alone. Let’s Walk This Journey Together.

If you’re struggling right now, please know that your experience is valid, and it’s okay to ask for help. You’re not weak for needing support; you’re human. And being human means that sometimes, we need a little extra help to get through the day. Let’s keep this conversation going—because everyone deserves a workplace where they can thrive, not just survive.

P.S. Due to the overwhelming response for our services, It’s Your Outcome has wrapped up bookings for 2024 and is now opening our 2025 calendar. We would love for your organization to be part of the journey. Spots are already filling up, so securing your place now ensures your team is set up for a truly transformative year ahead.

Book by December 15, 2024, to receive an exclusive bonus: a personalized strategy session to help you map out your 2025 inclusion goals and take concrete steps toward fostering a culture of openness and trust.

Let’s make 2025 the year your organization leads the way in support and inclusion.